Mojitos and sea turtles make a solid day. This private catamaran cruise from St Maarten turns a normal beach day into a full, eight-hour sail with two different island vibes and plenty of onboard perks. You get your own group time on the water, then you hop over to Tintamarre for turtles and Pinel for calmer swimming.

I love two things most. First, the boat setup: a spotless, roomy catamaran that feels comfortable even when you’re with a larger group (one group size mentioned was 15). Second, the crew energy: attentive service plus stories and fun facts that keep the day from turning into a long stretch of waiting around.

The main consideration is the price: $1,000 per person. It can feel like a splurge unless you’re traveling with a group that will actually use the snorkeling, SUP, and beach time.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private charter, your group only: no mixing with strangers during the cruise window
• Tintamarre Island for turtles and old-airfield leftovers: snorkel-friendly waters and hike-worthy paths
• Pinel Island for calmer swimming: a sheltered main beach plus easy viewing points
• All the fun-water gear included: snorkeling equipment, paddleboard/SUP, and a floating mat
• Big drink-and-snack plan onboard: bottled water, sodas, juices, plus beer, rum, and vodka for 18+
• Towels are not provided: bring your own so beach time doesn’t get annoying

A private catamaran day in St Maarten, without the usual crowd math

This is a “your day, your pace” kind of cruise. You meet at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg, then head out on a luxury sail catamaran for roughly eight hours, returning to the same meeting point. It’s private, meaning only your group is on board, so you can actually spread out and decide how active you want the day to be.

What makes it work is the balance. You’re not just sailing past scenery and hoping everyone stays happy. You’re given real water-time options: snorkeling equipment, paddleboard/SUP gear, and a floating mat that’s basically a built-in hangout spot. That matters because in the Caribbean, the day can either feel planned… or it can feel like you’re doing the same 30 minutes in new locations. This itinerary gives you more than one “version” of fun.

On the logistics side, you’ll want to be ready for a little flexibility. The route can change with weather, and that change does not come with a discount or cancellation. So bring a “roll with it” mindset, especially if you’re traveling in peak season when conditions can shift.

The crew, the boat comfort, and why the included drinks matter

The crew isn’t just there to steer. They’re part of the experience—attentive service, plus stories and fun facts as you sail. That’s a big deal on an eight-hour day. When the crew is good, you feel like someone is managing the rhythm: when to get gear, when to hydrate, and how to keep time from slipping away.

The boat itself sounds like it’s kept in serious shape. One of the most praised points was that the catamaran was spotless and comfortable, with lots of room to spread out. If you’re booking for a group, comfort isn’t a luxury. On a private cruise, you’ll spend a lot of the day on the deck and in the water, so having space to move and lounge makes the whole trip feel less cramped and more like a vacation.

Then there’s the onboard food and drink. This isn’t a “small sip then good luck” situation. Included are bottled water; sodas like Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Ginger Ale; club soda; and various fruit juices. Alcohol is also included, specifically beers, rum, and vodka, but only for 18+.

For value, the key is not just that drinks are included. It’s that they’re included all day, so you can keep everyone happy without turning the day into a budgeting exercise. If you’re traveling with friends or family, this is exactly the kind of setup that keeps the mood relaxed.

Stop 1: Tintamarre Island for turtles, rust cliffs, and mini-history

Tintamarre Island is uninhabited and off the coast of Saint Martin, and that alone changes the feel. Instead of “beach chair tourism,” you’re stepping into a tropical scene with sandy white beaches, lush greenery, and rust-colored cliffs.

You get about two hours here, with an admission ticket included. That time window is long enough to do two things well: snorkel for a wildlife moment and take a short stroll for the island details.

The best reason to come is snorkeling and turtles. Tintamarre is described as a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts who want up-close encounters with turtles. If you’re the kind of person who likes looking longer than you need to, this is the stop that rewards that patience.

On land, there are also reasons to stay busy. There are hiking trails for an active break, plus remnants from earlier times. Expect to see old farm leftovers, an old airplane connected to an airbase, and a stranded boat on the beach that’s now been turned into art by graffiti artists. That mix can be unexpectedly fun. You get nature, wildlife, and story fragments in the same two-hour block.

A practical drawback to consider: uninhabited islands also mean you should plan on being self-sufficient. Towels aren’t included on the tour, and there’s no mention of onsite towel service. If you want to dry off comfortably after snorkeling, bring what you need.

Stop 2: Pinel Island for a calm beach, simple hikes, and animal sightings

Pinel Island is the gentler sister of the day. Again, it’s off the coast of Saint Martin, and once you land you’re met with a white sand beach and turquoise blue waters. The real highlight is that the main beach is sheltered, which keeps the water calmer. That makes it a better choice if your group includes people who want a swim without fighting waves.

You’ll get about two hours here as well, and admission is listed as free. This is a good spot for paddleboarding and relaxed water time, especially since the tour includes snorkeling equipment and SUP gear.

If you like options, Pinel delivers. There are two restaurants on the island, and you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas if you want a smoother “put down the bag and stay” day. There’s also a gift shop for souvenirs.

If you want to stretch your legs, there’s an easy hike with a beautiful view from the top. It’s the kind of activity that doesn’t eat your whole day but adds that payoff moment where you feel like you got off the sand for a bit.

One more reason Pinel is memorable: wildlife around the food zones. You can find sugar birds, iguanas, and land turtles that are being fed by the restaurants. Even if you’re not a wildlife person, it’s a fun change from only seeing sea life.

Watch for the same practical issue: you’ll likely want a towel again. Also note that entering or swimming is at your own risk, so choose water conditions and comfort levels that match your group.

What’s included on board (and how to plan what to bring)

The included list is one of the strongest parts of this day, because it covers the stuff that usually costs extra on cruises.

You’ll have:

• Bottled water
• Sodas and fruit juices
• Alcoholic drinks: beers, rum, vodka for 18+
• Snacks: madeleines, oranges, mixed nuts, peanuts, and chips
• Snorkeling equipment
• Floating mat / lilypad
• Paddleboard / SUP
• Fishing gear

Not included:

• Towels

That towels line matters more than it sounds. On Pinel especially, you’re likely to swim and then stay on the beach. Without a towel, you’ll be wringing out a swimsuit or using a shirt, which is fine for five minutes and annoying for two hours.

Also keep in mind that this is a private charter, so your group’s comfort depends on packing decisions. The tour gives you the gear, but it doesn’t replace the basics you’ll want in your bag: sunscreen, a hat, dry clothes for the ride back, and a way to keep your valuables safe on deck.

A small but helpful detail: the tour has a mobile ticket. So make sure your phone battery is healthy before you head to Bobby’s Marina.

Price and value: is $1,000 per person actually fair?

Let’s talk money straight. At $1,000 per person, this is not meant for bargain hunters. It’s a premium, private-day product, so the question isn’t whether it’s expensive. The question is whether the inclusions and the experience fit how your group wants to spend eight hours on the water.

Here’s what you’re paying for, based on what’s included:

• A private catamaran (your group only)
• All-day drinks: water, sodas, fruit juices, and alcohol (18+)
• Snacks throughout the day
• Actual time in two island settings with distinct experiences
• Water activity gear: snorkeling equipment, SUP, floating mat, and fishing gear

If your group is the type that would otherwise pay separately for boat time, snorkeling gear, and drinks, the package can start to look more reasonable. You’re also paying for a day that doesn’t feel like a rushed excursion. Tintamarre gets roughly two hours, Pinel gets roughly two hours, and you return at the end of the day. That structure is part of the value.

If you’re traveling as a solo or as a couple, it may feel harder to justify unless you truly want a private charter setup and plan to use the gear and drink package.

If you’re deciding for a group, think about who will actually get in the water. The more people who snorkel, paddleboard, or relax on the floating mat, the better the per-person cost starts to feel. A private boat day without active use can feel like paying a lot for a long ride. With active use, it turns into a high-comfort day that’s hard to recreate on your own.

Timing, water conditions, and weather reality checks

This cruise runs from 9:00 am and lasts about eight hours. It ends back at the meeting point. That’s a full-day schedule, so plan to start your morning ready: hydrated, in swim-friendly clothes, and with any sun and towel needs handled before you board.

The itinerary is subject to weather conditions. That’s standard for any day on the water, but it affects your expectations. If the plan changes due to weather, there’s no price discount or cancellation stated for itinerary changes. If the weather is poor enough that the experience is canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There’s also a safety note: if you swim or enter the water, you do so at your own risk. That doesn’t mean it’s dangerous. It means you’re responsible for your own choices and comfort levels.

My practical advice: if your group has mixed swim ability, Pinel is likely the calmer-feel stop thanks to its sheltered main beach. Tintamarre is about snorkeling and exploring, so it suits people who are comfortable with a bit more adventurous water and a bit more walking.

Who this cruise fits best (and who should skip it)

This private catamaran day suits groups who want a premium, low-stress way to see St Maarten’s island scenery and water life without coordinating multiple stops on your own.

It’s especially good for:

• Adults who will enjoy the included beer, rum, and vodka (18+ only)
• Groups that want privacy and space on board
• People who care about snorkeling and want a dedicated island stop for turtles
• Mixed groups where some want quiet beach time and others want SUP or snorkeling

It may not fit if:

• You’re on a strict budget and need lower-cost experiences
• Your group hates being outdoors for eight hours (this is mostly on the water and at islands)
• You don’t want any uncertainty tied to weather, since the itinerary can change

Should you book the Mojito Full Day Private Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a private day that’s built around real time on the water, not just a boat ride with a few short photo stops. The combination of Tintamarre for turtles and Pinel for calmer beach fun, plus the included snorkeling, SUP, floating mat, and all-day drinks, makes it a strong match for groups who want both relaxation and activity.

I would hesitate if $1,000 per person feels like a strain for your budget, or if your group won’t use the included gear. In that case, you might find better value with something more basic and less “premium charter” focused.

If you do book, come prepared with your own towel, check your phone battery for the mobile ticket, and plan to enjoy a weather-driven day. When it comes together, this is the kind of St Maarten outing that feels like a full vacation day, not an item on a checklist.

FAQ

How long is the Mojito full day private catamaran cruise?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Private Yacht Charter N.V., Bobby’s Marina, 22 Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates.

What islands are included?

You stop at Tintamarre Island and Pinel Island.

Are admission tickets included for both stops?

Tintamarre Island admission is included. Pinel Island admission is free.

What water activities and gear are included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a floating mat/lilypad, paddleboard/SUP, and fishing gear.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, sodas, and fruit juices are included, and alcoholic beverages (beer, rum, vodka) are included for guests 18+.

Are towels provided?

No, towels are not included.

What happens if weather changes the itinerary or cancels the trip?

The itinerary is subject to weather conditions, and changes are not subject to a price discount or cancellation. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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